Sharing Our Journey While Encouraging Yours

Music is an essential part of the learning experience for toddlers. It engages their brains in a way that nothing else will, and studies have shown that music in early childhood can increase development. Instruments and musical toys for toddlers play an integral role in encouraging this growth. Although they are wonderful for the little ones, … [Read more…]

I love puzzles for toddlers! Little ones develop cognitive thinking skills, which are critical to a toddler’s developing brain. They also learn shape recognition, problem solving, building, and fine motor skills. My 3 year old has always been a fan of puzzles, but I’ve gotta be honest. She wasn’t that good at them…until now. I’ve … [Read more…]

Board games are a wonderful way for kids of all ages to learn skills such as taking turns, social-emotional development, increased vocabulary, and following directions. Did you know that there are board games for toddlers as young as one? It’s true! Children can begin to learn to take turns and play games with the guidance … [Read more…]

We hear so much these days about the importance of a STEM education. What does that mean, and how does it apply to toddlers? STEM stands for Science, Tech, Engineering, and Math. There is no question that our everyday lives involve those four concepts more than ever before. We live in a world that is … [Read more…]

“Sweetie, would you please put your cup in the sink?” …no response… “One, two…” …begins to move slowly… “Three!” …continues walking toward the sink and drops their cup in. Does this scene sound familiar? It’s easy to get into a rut of counting to three every time you ask your little one to do something. … [Read more…]

Hey parents, how’s your summer going? Is it everything you dreamed of or everything you dreaded? If it’s everything you dreaded, or even if you’d just like to kick it up a notch, I’ve got some ideas for you. You’d be surprised at what a summer schedule can do for you and your kids. Perhaps … [Read more…]

I first made this flag shirt 18 years ago when my twins were one. All the moms and kids from my local MOMS Club made these and wore them in our town’s 4th of July parade. Now that my girls are preschoolers, I decided to pull out this simple, fun project and try it again. … [Read more…]

Imagine with me for a moment. You drop off your children at school or daycare in the morning and are notified later that they’ve been picked up by someone else and brought to a stranger’s house to live. Or perhaps you’re a father who receives a call telling you that your children have been sent … [Read more…]

What goes through your mind when you think of foster parents? Do you see someone swooping in like a superhero to save vulnerable children? Or someone devoting their entire lives to nothing but caring for orphans, like Mother Teresa? Surprise! Foster parents are ordinary people. The most unexpected thing for me in foster care has … [Read more…]